Anyone retrofitted cruise control on their VAG?

GTE

Hey all,

I had a 4 or 5 hour round trip in the car this week and even after an hour in the car I get a sore knee. So today I came across a thread about the OEM retrofit kit that VW actually sell for the mark 4 Golf/Bora's etc.

Apparently every VAG TDI from 1998 (maybe earlier) comes with an ECU preprogrammed for cruise control. All you have to do is replace the indicator stalk and run a cable to the ECU, battery and get a setting changed in the ECU with a VAGCOM or something similar.

Anyway,
On my searches I realised and then couldnt confirm if it could be done for manual cars. Since it was an American site I was reading it on I assumed it was an auto.

So, has anyone done it themselves with a manual?
If its possible I may just treat myself some weekend.

Regards
bbk

mickdw

Ya Im sure it can be done. There was defo a kit available for the MK1 Audi TT with manual gearbox.
I dont know why you would bother unless you happen to travel the few motorways we have on a regular bases. I dont use it now after getting over the novelty as with our roads it amounts to a hand throttle due to there always being someone in the way

-Chris-

I had retro cruise control put into an Audi A4 B8 through ICE in Ranelagh - you'd never tell it wasn't factory, worked like a dream.

GTE

They do look very well all right Chris. Its nice to have mods like that.

I do motorway driving every morning I must admit, I didnt really make that clear.

Well thats cool. So, the ECU can tell somehow what gear its in or do you have to use a modicum of common sense and keep it in top gear before engaging?
I suppose it would know with the relationship between rpm and speed.

Its making sense now.

EDIT: Actually, how much did the retrofit cost for you Chris? Id you dont mind me asking.

thanks for the replies
bbk

-Chris-

I think it was around the €450 mark.

The stalk and cowl had to be fitted, the ECU seemed to have the sofware in it already - it just had to be enabled.
No issue with warranty etc.

Cruise will basically work in any gear at (nearly) any speed. Once you touch the clutch or brakes it'll disengage, so you can't change gear while using cruise control.

daithihalton

I've fitted it to 2 a4 2002 models a vw transporter 2006 and a vw sharan it will fit to a mkiv golf you can buy the retrofit kit from a main dealer its around 75 - 90 euros it replaces your left indicator stalk with a new one and there will be 2 wires to fit included in the kit you will then need it activated to tell the car that cruise is fitted this can be done by vag-com or main dealer

Max_Damage

A brick on the accelerator pedal also works.

Hey, it's the recession after all!

remotesensor

Do you need to have the full display screen, i.e. the one between the rev counter and the speedo??

mickdw

-Chris- wrote: »

Cruise will basically work in any gear at (nearly) any speed. Once you touch the clutch or brakes it'll disengage, so you can't change gear while using cruise control.

I can go up through the gears with cruise on in my car. I assume the B8 A4 would be the same. Older cars didnt allow this.
So If I am cruising in say 4th & dip the clutch, it kills the power and when in new gear keeps car at set speed again.

R.O.R

mickdw wrote: »

I can go up through the gears with cruise on in my car. I assume the B8 A4 would be the same. Older cars didnt allow this.
So If I am cruising in say 4th & dip the clutch, it kills the power and when in new gear keeps car at set speed again.

Do you not have to re-engage the cruise control after putting it in to the higher gear?

I've never come across a car that automatically re-engages the cruise after you've dipped the clutch (I usually do that to knock off cruise rather than finding the button). Usually you'll have to press the resume button.

nogoodnamesleft

If your feeling ambitious:

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/174811.aspx

Myrddin

You'll only use cruise control while cruising, and wouldnt be using your knee/clutch at that stage...so why would fitting cruise control help with your knee?

-Corkie-

I thought a b8 a4 would have it as standard?????? Are audi gone that tight. I could have given you mine as i never used it and prob never will..

Thoie

EnterNow wrote: »

You'll only use cruise control while cruising, and wouldnt be using your knee/clutch at that stage...so why would fitting cruise control help with your knee?

Maybe it's his right knee?

I have problems with my right ankle, and if I was doing long journeys regularly, cruise control would help in that I could wiggle my right foot around from time to time.

mickdw

R.O.R wrote: »

Do you not have to re-engage the cruise control after putting it in to the higher gear?

I've never come across a car that automatically re-engages the cruise after you've dipped the clutch (I usually do that to knock off cruise rather than finding the button). Usually you'll have to press the resume button.

No it fully automatic on my A5. Thats why I assume the new A4 chris had retrofitted would be the same.
Tip the brake to disengage.
It works fine in general but if you do a short shift, it can sometimes be caught out in that it doesnt kill the revs quick enough which wouldnt be doing the clutch any good.

GTE

EnterNow wrote: »

You'll only use cruise control while cruising, and wouldnt be using your knee/clutch at that stage...so why would fitting cruise control help with your knee?

Sadly its my right knee that is the problem. I fell on it oddly as a youngster and I have had problems with it since then, whether it be drumming or long walks.

Im a tall bloke so I think the car may be a tad too cramped for me or maybe whatever way you sit in a car is annoying my knee. Its only come up since I have started driving in the last 8 months so Id say its down to the constant pedal pressure and movement.


Thanks for the replies everyone, It seems to be a pretty simple upgrade for the keen DIYer, aside from messing with the airbag.

If I do it Ill be sure to have some feedback for anyone who wants it.

tossy

I have Cruise control retro fitted on the Bora (it was done in the UK) its great for keeping the consumption down on the Motorway,i can see over 30 mpg's

As far as i'm aware retro fitting on a petrol is easier than a diesel,extra wires on a diesel for some reason,places like uk-mkivs and VAGdrivers.net will have more info.

As for cost the indicator stalk is only 70-80 lids and anyone with VCDS (vag com) can enable it for you,and no you don't need to have the half height or full height computer display.

GTE

tossy wrote: »

I have Cruise control retro fitted on the Bora (it was done in the UK) its great for keeping the consumption down on the Motorway,i can see over 30 mpg's

As far as i'm aware retro fitting on a petrol is easier than a diesel,extra wires on a diesel for some reason,places like uk-mkivs and VAGdrivers.net will have more info.

As for cost the indicator stalk is only 70-80 lids and anyone with VCDS (vag com) can enable it for you,and no you don't need to have the half height or full height computer display.

Thanks for that.

I heard the opposite about it being easier on the petrol then diesel, but Id say any car with drive by wire is just plug and play type things.

I might make a decision on this soon!

unkel

tossy wrote: »

I have Cruise control retro fitted on the Bora (it was done in the UK) its great for keeping the consumption down on the Motorway,i can see over 30 mpg's

Unless you are not a smooth driver or you drive at varying speeds all the time (i.e. drive a few mins at 130km/h than a few minutes at 110km/h, etc.), cruise control is going to use more fuel

nogoodnamesleft

One thing I have found when driving with cruise control in Ireland is that ill have to disengage it every so often for some muppet who overtakes me, pulls in and proceeds to drop his speed down (usually about 10mph). Dunno what it is with those people:mad:

-Corkie-

nogoodnamesleft wrote: »

One thing I have found when driving with cruise control in Ireland is that ill have to disengage it every so often for some muppet who overtakes me, pulls in and proceeds to drop his speed down (usually about 10mph). Dunno what it is with those people:mad:

Agree thats why i dont use it. Firstly i dont really be on motorways or good roads, and if i am i dont bother as i normally forget about it. I used it a few times just as a novelty but those fools who pull out in front of you even if you have lights on. The op could have taken out my cc for free gladly as i will never use it.

tossy

Through my extensive scientific research i've found my car uses less petrol on cruise than when not on cruise i.e when on cruise i resist the urge to put the shoe in Its not so handy on irish motorways due to said plonkers,but while autobahn bashing cruise control was like a gift from the lord himself

-Chris-

mickdw wrote: »

No it fully automatic on my A5. Thats why I assume the new A4 chris had retrofitted would be the same.
Tip the brake to disengage.
It works fine in general but if you do a short shift, it can sometimes be caught out in that it doesnt kill the revs quick enough which wouldnt be doing the clutch any good.

You're probably right, I can't remember changing gears and it staying on, but I don't know if I would have noticed anyway.

Every day's a schoolday!!

sean1141

i have fitted cruise on a few mk4 based cars. it easy enough. basically you need to remove the air bag from the steering wheel the wheel its self all the plastic trim around the steering column the trim under the steering above the pedals, fuse box and relay box will need to be moved out of place. outside you need to remove the wipers and the plastic scuttle pannel and wiper motor + linkage needs to be removed and take the lid off the plenum chamber.. kit containes a new stalk with the buttons for cruise and a loom. 3 wires on this loom go up to the plenum chamber and one to the fuse box IIRC
ecu then needes to be coded with vag com etc. this is for a diesel. a petrol needs an extra loom.. dont mind what shane is saying (he thought his v6 was a diesel when he bought it :eek::P:P)

i have a guide here in word format. if you want it just pm me your email and ill send it on to you. give you an idea of what your facing into!

GTE

Thanks all.

How does it react to you pressing the accelerator?
Does it switch off and let you reset or resume it or does it let you accelerate and then return to the original speed automatically?

sean1141

it will let you accelerate and then return to set speed when you lift off the boot. ideal if you need to overtake etc. i think if you hold the accelerator for a certin lenght of time it will set to that speed or turn off i cant remember.. look in your owners manual it should be in that..

fabmorretti

Thinking about getting cruise control in my golf.

Does anyone know a reputable indy vw garage in Dublin that would do this?

I have seen ICE mentioned but I find them to be overpriced and I'm under the impression that they don't do it with the OEM part. I would ideally buy the stalk off ebay because they seem to be selling for about 80 euros. I was going to get it done in jetstar but they quoted €295 for a full service alone so I didn't bother enquiring.

GTE

fabmorretti wrote: »

Thinking about getting cruise control in my golf.

Does anyone know a reputable indy vw garage in Dublin that would do this?

I have seen ICE mentioned but I find them to be overpriced and I'm under the impression that they don't do it with the OEM part. I would ideally buy the stalk off ebay because they seem to be selling for about 80 euros. I was going to get it done in jetstar but they quoted €295 for a full service alone so I didn't bother enquiring.

Ill tag along with that request.

btw. I was quoted 150 when I asked for a full service. Though, my dads car got a similarly priced service and all he did was tell us that it needed brake pads and tyres, so I assume it was oil and the other essentials. Hes been given the go ahead to get the parts needed though. Good price?
Did he just give me the price for the minimum service?

I wanna start doing DIY jobs but my enthusiasm always gets hit when a packet of Tayto finds itself in my hands.

GTE

I was at a VW dealer today picking up something else and I was quoted about 90 quid plus VAT for the kit when I asked about it.

I may eBay it if its cheaper and get it fitted before the Summer.

GTE

Im feeling a bit happy with myself now. After reading a thread about servicing up north I gave a place in Belfast an email (Im studying up there starting September) and they have quoted me 180 pounds all inc. (211 euro) for the cruise control jobbie. 280 euro all inc. for a full service too.

I have a bargaining chip with some southern dealers now. Though, I wonder could they really match all that.

EDIT: Reading the previous post of mine I confused myself

More research!!! But the 211 sounds better then the 450 quoted here

Chippy01

There are many types of cruise control units to be had.
Many years ago, I got one such kit from Carnosseur (who used to be in Kildare at the time) and fitted it to my Civic hatchback. Only took about 2 hours, and the instructions were easy to follow.
When I changed my car, I removed the cruise and fitted it into the new car. Again, easy-peasy.
I've since moved on from there, and my present car has cruise as standard.
About two years ago though, I got another cruise control kit and successfully fitted it onto one of my motorcycles.
Just search the interweb for cruise units. You'd be surprised at the variety out there, and how easy they are for a DIY fit.

GTE

I did it myself yesterday.

I got the kit for 105 euro (maybe a bit much but I wasnt bothered with eBay and no credit card at the mo anyway).

I was going to keep the kit for when I went to a mechanic.

BUT, when fitting my Day Time Running lights I put my wires through the same place the cruise wires go and it gave me some extra confidence to just do it since thats a half the job.

So, 3 hours later it was DONE! Wiring was very easy. Its just a case of plugging the loom in, connecting it to a fuse, taking the steering wheel off and replacing the indicator stalk. Oh, and the VAGCOM part, the only messy bit if you dont own a diagnostics plug.

The only scary part is getting the airbag off the steering wheel because apparently it can still go off.

It does not work through the gears but you can I think use it from 3rd up and change gear and press the resume button. Grand stuff.

It seems to use full throttle to get up to speed.

If you are decent at DIY and can slowly follow and understand the instructions (google "ccs.pdf cruise control") its a great mod to do.

Im chuffed!

BTW. The kit works for ALL TDI engines from at least 1998 and some petrols. It seems its the easiest for the TDI's because there are pages (9 to 12 I think) that you skip if you are a TDIer.

sean1141

it shouldnt matter what gear your in. it depends on the speed your doing.. think it only works from 20mph on..

Henry Ford III

I sniggered a little when I read this thread title

notel70

-Chris- wrote: »

I think it was around the €450 mark.

Or you could save a pile of money and go to the north and use a proper dealer who cares about their customers and knows what they are talking about. i used P&R in newry to fit cruise to my old MK5 GTI, an hour up the rd from dublin, they did it in 1.5hrs. It only cost £150(including them supplying the stalk) and that was with DSG/highline computer/mfsw so it was the most complex scenario.

Irish dealers are rubish, I rang around to a good few of them before hand, most said it was not possible, some said they dont Retrofit parts(even though they would be supplying it) and some didnt even bother their arse ringing me back. Main reason why I dont go near VW garages down south anymore.

GTE

notel70 wrote: »

Irish dealers are rubish, I rang around to a good few of them before hand, most said it was not possible, some said they dont Retrofit parts(even though they would be supplying it) and some didnt even bother their arse ringing me back. Main reason why I dont go near VW garages down south anymore.

Well I have to say Commons Road VW in Navan were very helpful. I had a few parts I was interested in and when I went to collect one part we had a good discussion about the others. And they called me once the parts I wanted arrived. So, I think they are good. Still, Irish prices is another thing in terms of getting work done.

Ill be beating them and Micheal Moores in Portarlington over their heads with Belfast prices for servicing.

Henry Ford III wrote: »

I sniggered a little when I read this thread title

Haha, it got you reading anyway. Tabloid threading